Head-to-Head Comparison
Carnegie Mellon University vs Lehigh University
- Carnegie Mellon Wins
- 31
- Tied
- 10
- Lehigh Wins
- 13
Direct Answer
For overall financial value, Carnegie Mellon University offers a significantly safer investment tier. With an annual cost of $31,944 vs Lehigh University's $36,931, Carnegie Mellon University delivers strong outcomes at a fraction of the price. For students prioritizing lower student debt over initial institution prestige, Carnegie Mellon University's lower price point delivers a highly efficient debt-to-earnings path.
54 data points compared · Sources: College Scorecard, Opportunity Insights, Times Higher Education, IPEDS
When to Pick Each School
Carnegie Mellon
- Higher earnings: Median earnings of $114,862 ten years after enrollment, 9% more than Lehigh University
- Lower cost: Average net price of $31,944, roughly $4,987 a year less
- Higher grad rate: 93% of students finish, the higher completion rate of the pair
- Less debt: Median debt of $21,750, the lower of the two
- Social mobility: Chetty mobility rate of 2.2%, the stronger record of moving students up the income ladder
- More selective: Admits 12% of applicants, which makes for a more competitive peer group
- Research prestige: THE World Rank #20
Lehigh
No clear advantage detected in core metrics.
The Actual Decision
What are you really choosing between?
Carnegie Mellon graduates concentrate in Engineering (23% of degrees); Lehigh in Business & Marketing (23%). If you already know the field you want, the choice is mostly made for you.
Based on each school's share of degrees by field (College Scorecard). It shows where graduates actually concentrate, not the only path a school offers.
Which School Fits You?
Pick Carnegie Mellon University over Lehigh University. Median earnings of $114,862 ten years after enrollment vs $105,584.
Pick Carnegie Mellon University over Lehigh University. Net price $31,944 vs $36,931.
Pick Carnegie Mellon University over Lehigh University. THE World Rank #20 vs #301-350.
Pick Carnegie Mellon University over Lehigh University. 2.2% mobility rate vs 1.9%.
Pick Carnegie Mellon University over Lehigh University. 93% completion rate vs 89%.
Key Metrics at a Glance
Graduation Rate
Earnings (10yr)
Avg Net Price
Median Debt
The Analysis
Verdict
Carnegie Mellon University and Lehigh University are close on paper, but Carnegie Mellon University wins the head-to-head, leading on 6 of the core measures (selectivity, cost, earnings, completion, mobility, and debt). The right pick still depends on how you weight them.
Getting in
Carnegie Mellon University is the harder admit. It takes 12% of applicants, while Lehigh University takes 26%. Its entering class also posts the higher average SAT, 1,546 to 1,440.
So what: If test scores and a high-scoring peer group matter to you, Carnegie Mellon University sets the higher bar. The less selective school is easier to get into, which can work in your favor rather than against it.
What it costs
On price, Carnegie Mellon University comes out ahead. Its average net price after aid is $31,944, about $4,987 a year below Lehigh University's $36,931. Graduates of Carnegie Mellon University also borrow less: median debt of $21,750, against $21,960.
So what: Over four years, the gap adds up to about $19,948 before any change in aid. Choosing Carnegie Mellon University leaves that money available for graduate school, savings, or simply less borrowing.
What graduates earn
Ten years after enrollment, Carnegie Mellon University graduates report median earnings of $114,862, compared with $105,584 at Lehigh University. That is a 9% advantage. Set against borrowing, Carnegie Mellon University has the lower debt-to-earnings ratio, 0.19x to 0.21x.
So what: An earnings gap of 9% this early in a career tends to widen, since raises build on the higher base. Of the measures on this page, this one carries the most financial weight.
Finishing the degree
Carnegie Mellon University graduates a larger share of its students, 93% versus 89%. More of its students stay on track to a degree.
So what: A completion gap of 5% is a risk measure. Students at the school with the lower rate face higher odds of leaving with debt and no degree, the most expensive outcome in higher education.
Moving people up
Carnegie Mellon University does more to move students up the income ladder. Its Chetty mobility rate is 2.2%; at Lehigh University, it is 1.9%. Carnegie Mellon University also enrolls the larger share of low-income students: 4.1% come from the bottom income quintile, versus 3.3%.
So what: For first-generation and low-income students, Carnegie Mellon University offers the stronger statistical shot at reaching the top of the income distribution. The gap is wide enough to weigh in any access-minded decision.
Research standing
In the Times Higher Education world table, Carnegie Mellon University sits higher, at #20 versus #301.
So what: Research rank matters most for students headed to graduate school or hoping to work in faculty labs. For undergraduates going straight into the job market, it is a weak predictor of earnings.
Recommendation
Bottom line: pick Carnegie Mellon University to keep costs and debt down.
Data certainty: High. Both schools report 6 of 6 core signals used here, so every comparison above matches reported data against reported data.
Counterintuitive Insights
Their academic identities diverge. Carnegie Mellon University concentrates enrollment in Mathematics & Statistics, while Lehigh University leans toward Business & Marketing. That split shapes which recruiters come to campus and what your classmates study.
Who Should Look Elsewhere
- Business and consulting-track students: Carnegie Mellon University has less business program depth, and Lehigh University offers the stronger options.
- Cost-conscious students: net price of $36,931 runs well above Carnegie Mellon University's $31,944.
- STEM and CS-focused students: tech programs are a smaller part of Lehigh University's enrollment, and Carnegie Mellon University is stronger here.
Full Data Breakdown
Inside the admissions office
Carnegie Mellon holds onto its admits more tightly: 47% of admitted students enroll, versus 27% at Lehigh — a sign of how often it wins head-to-head choices. Both reward applying early, but the binding round pays off more at Lehigh (47.4% Early Decision admit rate vs 20.6%). Early Decision is binding, so it only makes sense if the school is a clear first choice.
Source: each school's published Common Data Set, via collegedata.fyi.
Overview 5 metrics
Admissions 4 metrics
Admissions Strategy (Common Data Set) 6 metrics
Cost & Financial Aid 9 metrics
Academics 5 metrics
Student Body 6 metrics
Outcomes 6 metrics
Social Mobility (Chetty) 4 metrics
Social Capital 3 metrics
Research (Times HE) 4 metrics
Online Education (IPEDS) 2 metrics
The Overviews
Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA · Private nonprofit
With an acceptance rate of just 12%, Carnegie Mellon University is a great fit for students who are ready to dive into rigorous academic programs. This school attracts those passionate about fields like Engineering, Computer Science, and Business. The blend of technical and creative disciplines, including Visual and Performing Arts, creates a unique environment where students can thrive while exploring their varied interests.
Life after graduation at Carnegie Mellon looks promising. Graduates can expect to earn an impressive average of $114,862 within ten years of completing their degrees. This strong earning potential is crucial for students weighing their options, as it reflects the value of the education they receive here. With a graduation rate of 93%, it’s clear that students are not only getting in but are also navigating their studies successfully.
When considering the financial aspect, the net price after aid is around $31,944, which can feel daunting but is manageable compared to potential earnings. The median debt for graduates stands at $21,750, suggesting that many students are able to graduate with a reasonable level of debt. Students who tend to thrive here are those who are dedicated, ambitious, and ready to engage deeply with their chosen fields.
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA · Private nonprofit
Lehigh University in Bethlehem, PA, is a great fit for students who are looking for a balance of academic rigor and a vibrant campus life. With an acceptance rate of 26%, it attracts motivated individuals who are interested in fields like Business & Marketing, Engineering, and Computer Science. The strong emphasis on these programs means students can expect a well-rounded education that prepares them for today’s job market.
After graduation, Lehigh alumni see impressive earnings, with a median salary of $105,584 just ten years post-degree. This figure highlights the university's strong return on investment for graduates, especially in high-demand fields. While the affordability of higher education is a concern for many, the net price here is $36,931 after financial aid, making it a manageable option for those willing to invest in their future.
On the financial side, graduates typically carry a median debt of $21,960, which is relatively low compared to national averages. This manageable debt load means that many students can thrive here, particularly those who are proactive about their education and take advantage of the resources available. Lehigh is especially welcoming to students who are ready to engage deeply with both their studies and the community.
Rankings They Appear On
Carnegie Mellon University and Lehigh University appear together in 8 rankings. On the Best Computer Science Colleges in Pennsylvania, Carnegie Mellon University ranks #1 — Carnegie Mellon University outranks Lehigh University by 4 positions.
Top Degree Programs
Carnegie Mellon's top program is Mechanical Engineering (23% of enrollment), while Lehigh leads with Business Administration (23%).
Career Pathways
Program strengths at these schools feed into careers like Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Carnegie Mellon) and Software Developer, Data Scientist, Cybersecurity Analyst (for Lehigh).
The two schools feed different job markets. Carnegie Mellon University is strongest in Mathematics & Statistics, while Lehigh University concentrates in Biology & Biomedical. Those concentrations determine which recruiters show up on campus and where alumni cluster by industry. Match the school's program strengths to the field you plan to enter.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it harder to get into Carnegie Mellon University or Lehigh University?
Carnegie Mellon University is harder to get into, admitting 12% of applicants compared with 26% at Lehigh University.
Which is more affordable, Carnegie Mellon University or Lehigh University?
Carnegie Mellon University is more affordable, with an average net price of $31,944 after aid versus $36,931 at Lehigh University.
Do Carnegie Mellon University or Lehigh University graduates earn more?
Carnegie Mellon University graduates earn more: median earnings of $114,862 ten years after enrollment, versus $105,584 at Lehigh University.
Which has a better graduation rate, Carnegie Mellon University or Lehigh University?
Carnegie Mellon University has the higher graduation rate, 93% versus 89%.
Carnegie Mellon University vs Lehigh University: which is better for social mobility?
Carnegie Mellon University is the stronger driver of upward mobility, with a Chetty mobility rate of 2.2% versus 1.9%.
Should you choose Carnegie Mellon University or Lehigh University?
It depends on what you weigh most. Choose Carnegie Mellon University if affordability and lower debt come first. The two schools win on different measures, so the better fit is the one whose strengths match your priorities.
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